Whisky in Art: The Photography of Ernie Button

Ernie Button was putting dishes into the washer one night, when he noticed something particularly intriguing about a glass which had contained a peg of Scotch. Traces of whisky flecked the bottom of the glass in lacy, intricate patterns that on closer inspection looked so picturesque, that Button knew he was onto something different.

A photographer who captures seemingly mundane objects and turns them into images of sheer beauty, Button wasted no time in diving into his new project. Through lighting and skilful technique, the remains in each glass of whisky reveal what appears to be a universe by itself — spectacular and unique in form.

Titled ‘Vanishing Spirits – The Dried Remains of Single Malt Scotch,’ the series portrays different kinds of Scotch whisky in a brand new light. Glenlivet 177, Lagavalulin 170 and the Macallan 101 have all been blessed with new life and characteristics. Each look different and tell a different story, just like snow crystals, but with far more colour.

What Button has managed to do with the dregs of alcohol that make the vast majority of us groan with reluctance at the prospect of cleaning up, is truly amazing. His experiments with this new medium has yielded some brilliant insights and paved the way for even more innovation in the field of photography, as well as the worlds of whisky and art in general.

Ernie Button’s work can be viewed on the Internet, with his portfolio published on his own website. Don’t miss the series, which is available here.